Interchangeable punch and die and retainer for same



Dec. 5, 1944. D, v s EL 2,364,401

INTERCHANGEABLE PUNCH AND DIE AND RETAINERS FOR SAME Filed March 6, 1944 5 Sheets-Sheet 1 D. v. STELLIN 2,364,401

INTERCHANGEABLE PUNCH AND DIE AND RETAiNERS FOR SAME Dec. 5, 1944.

5 sheets-sheet 2 Filed March 6, 1944 INVENTOR fia/v/v/c 7. 5754 BY @MY fiwg ORNEY3.

D. V. STELLIN Dec. 5; '1944.

INTERCHANGEABLE PUNCH AND DIE AND RETAINERS FOR SAME 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 Filed March 6, 1944 INVENTOR fia/v/ /c X52224 BY WY *fifl A ORNEYS.

Dec. 5, 1944. v STELUN 2,364,401

INTERCHANGEABLE PUNCH AND DIE AND RETAINERS FOR SAME Filed Ma rch 6, 1944 5 Sheets-Sheet 4 M5 /5 0 [f v 5% 5/4\ 60 E15- Z56 Z 04 755' I |NV NTOR MW 1 754 4 W V w TTORNEY s.

1944- D. v. STELLIN 2,364,401

INTERCHANGEABLE PUNCH AND DIE AND RETAINERS FOR SAME Filed March 6. 1944 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 BY v a@mw;(-

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Patented Dec. 5, 1944' UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE INTERCHANGEABLE PUNCH AND DIE AND RETAINER FOR SAME Domnic V. Stellin,'Det1-oit, Mich. Y Application March 6, 1944, Serial No. 525,233

6 Claims. (Cl. 164-418) The present invention pertains to novel interchangeable punches and dies and particularly to devices for accurately locating and retaining the punches and dies.

The principal object of the invention is to provide such retaining and locating means for punches and dies that are intricate and not necessarily round. Hitherto it has been the practice to interchange round punches and dies requiring no particular accuracy in being located. Obviously the means employed in that connection would not be s uitable for non-round or intricate parts.

Another object of the invention'isto provide interchangeability of the character described by simple means requirin comparatively little"it'ime in making a change. This object of the invention is of great importance in urgent production, as in war work, and in mass production where a given rate of output must be maintained in order to yield a profit. The loss of time incident to changing of punches and dies for any reason, such as breakage or need of sharpening, is substantial. A reduction of this loss by use of the present invention results in an important economy in the over-all operation.

Among the intricate punches and dies for which the invention is adapted are slitting punches, which can not be properly located in a simple manner by existing devices. These punches are made of hardened steel, and when used on cutting hard material such as high carbon spring steel, the clearances between punches and dies is approximately 5% of the thickness of the metal, and therefore accurate locating of punches and dies is essential. In many cases the effective height of the punches must be accurately maintained, or the dimensions of the resulting slit will be afiected. The locating means for a pair of slitting punches is described hereinafter.

In general the locator is so designed as not to require disassembling the main retainer or body that receives the punch or die. In the simplest form of the invention, the punch or die is formed with one or more keyways receiving a locating member fastened to the retainers. The fit of the locator in the keyways is accurate and permit no rotation or slipping of the punch or die. Moreover, the locator is quickly applied and maintains the punch or die accurately located.

Other forms of the invention provide the locator or key in various positions in the retainer body. In one case the locator is positioned between the upper and lower surfaces of the body; in another case between the inner surface of the body and the press plate. The invention also embodies various forms of keying means as well as several forms of locking devices therefor, such as holding clips and spring retainers.

The invention is fully disclosed by way of example in the following description and in the accoinpanying drawings in which Figure 1 is a vertical section of a punch and die, according to one embodiment of the invention;

Figure 2 is a plan view on the line 2-2 of Figure 1;

Figure 3 is a section on the line 3--3 of Fi ure 2;

Figure 4 is a vertical section of a modification;

Figure 5 is a plan view, partly in section, on the line 5-5 oi. Figure 4;

Figure 6 is an elevation, partly in section, of a modified lock;

Figure '7 is an elevation of another modified lock;

Figure 8 is an elevation, partly in section, of another modification;

Figure 9 is a section on the line 9-9 of Fi ure 8;

Figure 10 is an elevation, partly in section, of another modification;

Figure 11 is a section on the line Ill-ll of Figure 10;

Figure 12 is an elevationof another modification;

\ Figure 13 is a section of another modification;

Figure 14 is an elevation, partly in section, of a punch and die with a modified locator means;

Figure 15 is a vertical section of a pair of slitting punches with-another form of locator;

Figure 16 is a plan view of the material worked upon; I

Figure 17 is a detail section of another modification;

Figures 18 and 19 are similar views of still another embodiment;

Figure 20 is a vertical section of a punch and die with another form of locator;

Figure 21 is a section on the line 2l--2I of Figure 20;

Figure 22 is a section of another modification;

Figure 23 is a vertical section of a punch and die according to another modification;

Figure 24 is a. vertical section of a punch of another modification;

Figure 25 is a section'on the line 25-25 of Figure 24;

Figures 26 and 2'! are details of modifications applicable to Figure 24;

Figure 28 is a vertical section of a die witha dual locating means;

Figure 29 is a plan view of another embodiment, and

Figure 30 is a section on the line Iii-4| of Figure 29.

Reference to these views will, now be made by use of like characters which are employed to designate corresponding parts throughout.

- In Figure l are shown a punch and die em bodied in one machine as well known in the art. The die plate I is ordinarily immovable in the operation of a machine and has a die retainer 2 mounted thereon. The retainer is secured to the die plate by suitably disposed Allen screws 3 and is located by intervening diagonally disposed dowel pins 4 as also well known in the art. The retainer '2 has a recess I in which the die 6 is inserted. Assuming that the die is to be used in forming a circular opening, it has such an opening 'I in its upper end communicating with a wider cavity I in the body of the die to.

grooves II in the die may be alined with the key-' way 9 in the retainer. v

The purpose of the keyway and the grooves is to receive a fork-shaped locator having a stem l2 and a pair 01' fingers II. The fork is inserted in the keyway 9 from either end of the recess I, and each finger i3 is also received in a groove ill of the die.

In order to retain'the die in its retainer. it is now only necessary to fasten the locator to the retainer. For this purpose, the stem I2 is formed with a longitudinal slot I through which a looking screw it ispassed and threaded into the retainer. A finger piece It is provided on the free end of the stem l2-for conveniently adjusting the forked locator before tightening the screw II in its hole 22.

The modified locator is preferably formed of suitable steel and carries a locking pin it at the free end of the stem. The pin is sprung into a recess 20 in the. face of the retainer 2 to prevent the locator from slipping after it has been locked by the screw. A hardened backing plate 2| may be mounted under the die, especially for heavy work.

The punch assembly is similar and includes a punch plate 23 beneath which a retainer 24 is secured'by Allen screws 25 and dowels 28. The retainer has a recess 21 for receiving a punch 28 and is formed in its face with a' wide keyway 29 similar to the keyway 9. The punch is formed with opposed transverse and parallel grooves 30 described, is received in the keyway 2! and has its arms 33 projected into the grooves Ill formed in the punch. A screw 34 passed through the is permissible for circular members, even a slight rotation of non-circular punches and dies would exceed the limit of tolerance and damage or break one or the other. The application of a, locator for preventing rotation will be pointed out more fully hereinafter.

Figure 4 shows a modified retainer with a conventional punch and die assembly, the usual parts of which need therefore not be described in detail. The die I. is formed in its wall with notch 4| at the face of the retainer l2. On the retainer is mounted a sliding lock 48 having a square end 44 adapted to enter the notch ll and'abut the bottom thereof. I The member 48 has a lengthwise slot 4 adapted to receive a screw 46 which threads into the retainer 42.

The sliding lock I3 is preferably made of suitable steel and carries at its free enda pin 41 adaptedto enter a corresponding recess 48 in the face of the retainer 42. This device prevents the sliding lock from sliding on the retainer after it has been set.

Similarly, in the punch assembly the punch It has a lateral notch receiving the sliding lock 0 Whi hls pported and retained in the manner already described. As shown in Figure l, the sliding lock ll may have a rounded entering end I2, and the punch or die it has a correspondingly shaped receiving notch 54. In the further modification shown in Figure 7 the sliding lock II is held by a stud it on which is mounted a-tightening nut 51.

More accurate and secure locating of an intricate punch and die is obtained by the construction shown in Figures 8 and 9. The retainer 0| of the die has a vertical key slot ii communicating' with the die recess 82. 'The die 63 has a longitudinal or vertical slot .64 adapted to register with the slot I. A key 85 of such size as to fill both slots is inserted in the slot II slotted stem 35 of the fork andinto the retain 7 before the die is inserted in its retainer. On insertion of the die, the key will also enter the slot 6| and thereby locate the die against rotatlng.

- The locking key is a fiat member 8!; similar to those previously described, mounted on the retainer I and adapted to enter a notch 31 in the die. The key or locator it is attached to the retainer by a screw it passed through a slot II in the locator. The latter has a finger piece II and may also have a stop H adapted to enter a recess II in' the top of the retainer.

The punch 12 of the assembly is mounted in its retainer II 'in like manner. It has a longitudinal slot 14 matching with a similar-slot II in the retainer, both slots receiving a k'ey ll fitted in the punch before inserting the punch in the retainer. The exposed portion of the punch has a notch 11 receiving one end of a locking key It mounted .on the retainer by a screw 1! in substantially the manner previously described.

A modified arrangementof locking key or 10- cator is shown in Figures 10 to 12. With reference first to-the die assembly, this comprises the usual plate It to which is attached a retainer II by means of alternate bolts 82 anddowels II. The retainer has a recess N which receives the dle ll. Registering slots It and I! are cut respectively in the retainer and die between the upper and lower planes of the retainer and extending entirely through the retainer to be exposed at opposite lateral surfaces thereof. A key 88 is fitted in the registered slots 85, 81. In this particular embodiment. the key is made of key stock and is of substantially square crosssection.

Adjacent to each end of the slot 88, the retainer has a tapped hole 89 for the attachment of a spring clip or look to the retainer by means of a screw 3| passed through a hole 92 in the clip and into the hole 89. The member 90 is made of spring steel and carries at its free end a pin 93 which enters a recess 94 in the adjacent end of the key 80. Both ends of the key are so recessed, inasmuch as a spring lock is mounted at each hole 89 in the opposed surfaces of the retainer 8 l.

The key 88 may be replaced by a clevis pin 95 in Figure 12 having a head 88 at one end and receiving a cotter pin 81 at the other end. Another device for the same purpose is a bolt 98 having a head 99 at one end and carrying a nut I at the other end, as in Figure 13.

A similar arrangement is employed for the punch assembly which comprises the usual plate IN and retainer I02 having a recess I03 and attached to the plate by bolts I04 and dowels I05. The punch I08 and the wall of the recess I03 are formed respectively with registering slots I01 and I08 in which is inserted a key I08 as previously described. Likewise, each of the opposed surfaces of the retainer, at the ends of the slot I00,

is formed with a tapped hole IIO for attaching a spring clip adapted for reception in a depression I I2 in the adjacent end of the key, as previously set forth. As an alternative construction, the slots in the retainer, die and punch may have a blind end and thus require a holding clip only at the single exposed end.

In the construction shown in Figure 14, the retainer H5 and die II8 are formed with semicylindrical registering slots II 8 and H9 which receive a cylindrical keyl20, which may be made of drill rod. Each end of the key is retained by locking clips I mounted on opposed surfaces of the retainer I I5 as previously described. Likewise, the punch retainer I2I and the punch I22 are formed with registering semi-cylindrical slots it is now only necessary to maintain the hooked end I40 in the notch I4I. For this purpose the retainer is drilled with a diagonal hole I42 leading to a bevelled edge and tensioned by a fiat set screw I45 threaded in the outer end of the hole I42. The punch is released from the hook I40 by inserting a pin or wire in keyway I34 against I23, I24 in which is inserted a cylindrical key I25 I held at both ends as previously described.

Figures 15, 17 and 19 show a construction in which the punch or the die is located by a key at the base thereof or between the plate and the retainer. Figure 15 shows a shear punch consisting of two punch members rather than a punch and a die. The assembly of only the punch members need therefore be described, with the same reference characters applicable to like parts of both assemblies.

The plate I30 carries a retainer I3I by means of bolts I32 and dowels I33 in the usual manner.

The surface of the retainer immediately adjacent I to the plate is formed with a keyway I34 extending into communication with the punch receiving recess I35. Diametrically opposite this point of communication, the retainer is formed with a relatively larger recess I35 also communicating with the recess I35.

, The inner end of the punch I31 is formed with a keyway I38 registering with the keyway I34 and communicating with the recess I35. A key I39 is inserted in the alined keyways before attaching the retainer I3| and cannot be withdrawn the end" of thekey to push it against the tension of the spring I44, with or without retracting the screw M5.

Figure 17 shows a similar relation of punch I50 and key I5I having a hooked end I52 extending into a notch I53 in the punch. The hole I58 in the retainer I55 communicating with the recess I58 for the hook I52 is radial of the punch. The hole receives a coil spring I51 bearing against the hook I52 in the axial direction of the key I5I and'is tensioned by a flat screw I58 threaded into the outer enlarged end of the hole I50.

The shear punch shown in Figure 15 is designed to punch a hole I00 in ribbon stock I8I (Figure 16) and has a sharp edge I52 for forming opposed slits I03 extending radially outward from the hole I80. The shearing action of the punch forms an arcuate slit I50 at the outer end of each radial slit I53. A series of punchings is formed in the stock by multiple punches or successively by one pair of punches. The stock is severed between the punches, and each section is suitable for the formation of a lock washer of the character shown in my United States Patents Nos. 2,191,101 and 2,274,010.

A sl ght modification of the last described mounting is shown in Figure 18 wherein the hooked end I10 of the key is engagediby a stud I1I threaded through the retainer I12 and locked by a jam nut I13. In the further modification shown in Figure 19, a spring I15 surrounds the screw I10 within the recess I11 for the hooked end I18 of the key and exerts pressure against said end. In such case the stud I18 need not rigidly engage the hooked end I18.

In the construction shown in Figure 20, the, retainer I likewise has a key slot I8I in its surface immediately adjacent to the plate I82. This keyway is, however, similar on both sides of the punch-receiving recess I83. The inner end of the punch I84 mounted in the recess has a keyway I85 receiving key I86 mounted in the keyway I8I. The key is mounted before securing the retainer I80 to the plate I82 and is secured on tightening the bolts I81.

A diagonal hole I88 is drilled in the retainer I80, and the punch I84 is formed with a notch I89 shaped as a continuation of the hole. In the hole is mounted a cylindrical locator or holder I90 having a bevelled end I9I that partially enters the notch I89. The locator is advanced by a. coil spring I92 which is tensioned by a fiat screw I93 threaded into an enlargement I94 of 2M directed towards the die which is formed with a notch 282 as an extension of the drill hole.

cylindrical bevelled locator 203 is inserted into the hole and into the notch 282 and is backed by a coil spring 204 which in turn is tensioned by a fiat screw 205. In order to remove either the punch or the die, the screw. is retracted, whereupon the locator may readily be withdrawn.

In the modification shown in Figure 22, the retainer 2l0 has a square hole 2 to receive the bevelled locator 212, the bevelled end of which enters a notch 2|3 in the punch 2. The retainer H5 and the punch are formed with alined keyways 2| 8 and 2" respectively for receiving the locking key 2i8. v

Another construction of locator is shown in Figure 23. In this case the retainer 228 has a radial hole 22| drilled from the punch receiving cavity 222. The punch 223 has a conical recess 224 registering with the hole 22l. The punch is held against rotation by a key- 228 adjacent to the plate 226 in the manner previously described. The retainer has a slot 221- extending from its wall to the hole l2l. Inthe hole is mounted a locator in the form of a cylindrical member 228 having a pointed end 229 entering the notch 224. The locator is inserted from the cavity 222 against a tensioned spring 230. The locator has a small hole 220' at the slot 221, which may be reached by a wire or other suitable object passed through the slot to withdraw the locator for permitting insertion or withdrawal of the punch.

The die 23l is held in like manner in its retainer 232 and'against its plate 233 by a locator assembly similar to that just described and designated generally by the numeral 234. The die has a conical notch 235 to receive the locator pin as previously described. The keys 238 entering the die do not obstruct the cavity therein.

Another modification of the intermediate key type is shown in Figure 24. The retainer 248 is fastened to the plate 2 by bolts 242 and is lo cated by dowels 243 in the usual manner. The retainer has a recess 244 receiving the punch 248 in the usual manner. The wall of the latter has a longitudinal key 248 between its ends.

A cavity 241 is drilled from the recess 244'horizontally in the retainer 240 and is counterbored at 248 in a smaller dimension, the counterbore terminating inward of the lateral wall of the retainer. The locator is in the form 01 a plate 249 mounted in the hole 241 and having a reduced stem 258 extending in the counterbore 248 and through the lateral wall of the retainer. The inner face of the plate 249 is formed with a key 25l entering the key slot 248. A coil spring 252 surrounds the stem 250 to move the locator toward the punch, and the exposed outer end of the stem carries a cotter pin 253 which prevents the locator from being withdrawn from the retainer 248.

As an alternative construction, Figure 26, the stem 250a has its exposed outer end threaded at 254 to receive a retaining nut 255. In another alternative form, Figure 27, the exposed outer end of the stem 25% has a wire loop 258 passed therethmugh to replace the cotter pin and also to serve'as a pull ring.

Figure 28 shows another modification of the dual key locator, illustrated here in connection with the die. The retainer 288 for the die is i die also has a pair of notches 288 formed with two recesses 2" immediately adjacent to the plate 282 and in communication with the cavity 288 at diametrically opposite points thereof. The hollow die 284 set in the cavity has diametrically opposed keyways 285 in the end that abuts the plate 282 and adapted to communicate with the recesses 28 I. The outer wallof the spaced slightly from the keyways.

Each recess 2" contains a locator 281 having a key extension 288 adapted to enter the corresponding keyway 288 and a finger 288 adapted to enter the corresponding notch 288. Between the extension and the finger, the locator has a bevel 210. A diagonal hole 21! is drilled in the retainer 280 for and in communication with each of the cavities 28l at the bevel oi. the inserted locator.

. Each hole contains a coil spring 212 engaging the corresponding bevel and tensioned by a screw 218 threaded into the outer end of the hole.

Figures 29 and 30 show more specifically a construction for a square or non-round punch or die. A retainer 288 is shown receiving a square die 28 I. The latter is formed with a slot 282 along one side and disposed outside the retainer. On the retainer is suitably mounted a locator 288 by tainer fastened thereto,

means of a headed screw 284 passed through a slot 285 in the locator and fastened in the retainer. A straight edge 288 at one end of the locator enters the groove 282 and seats. linearly against the bottom thereof, thereby accurately holding the die against shifting. The locator has a pin 281 received in a recess 288 in the retainer, as previously set forth, and is further formed with an actuating finger piece 298.

Various forms of locators, locating keys, etc., may be interchanged from one embodiment to another to suit requirements, wherever permitted by the construction involved. For example, the locator for the punch shown in Figure 28, and vice versa.

Although specific embodiments oi. the invention have been illustrated and described, it will be understood that various alterations in the details of construction may bemade without departing from the scope of the invention asindicated by with the first keyway, a key passed through both keyways and having a re-entrant portion extending into said severing member, and meansfor holding said portion in said member.

2. In a punch or die assembly, a plate, a resaid retainer having a keyway at said plate, a severing member received in said retainer and having a keyway registering with the first keyway, a key passed through both keyways and having a hook at one end, said member having a recess in its lateral wall receiving said hook, and means for holding said portion in said member.

3. In a punch or die assembly, a plate, a retainer fastened thereto, said retainer having a keyway at said plate, a severing member received in said retainer and having a keyway registering with the first keyway, a key passed through both keyways and having a hook at one end, said member having a recess in its lateral wall receiving said hook, and a spring received in said retainer and bearing against said hook to hold the hook engaged in said recess.

4. In a punch or die assembly, a plate, a retainer fastened thereto, said retainer having a keyway at said plate, a severing member received in said retainer and having a keyway registering with the first keyway, a key passed through both keyways and having ahook at one end, said memher having a recess in its lateral wall receiving said hook, a spring received in said retainer and bearing against said hook to hold the hook engaged in said recess, and a screw in said retainer and bearing against said spring for tensioning the same.

5. In a die assembly, a plate, a retainer fastened thereto, a'hollow die received in said retainer, the inner end of said die having opposed keyways, said retainer having a pair of opposed keyways at said'plate and registering with the first keyways, and an individual key in each pair of registering keyways and disposed outwardly of the cavity of the hollow die.

6. In a die assembly, a plate, a retainer fastened thereto, a hollow die received in said rehook, said die having a pair of recesses in its wall adapted to receive said hook and means for hold- [5 ing said hooks in said recesses.

DOMNIC V; STELLIN. 

